The Blacker the Berry by Joyce Carol Thomas

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Thomas, J. (2008) The Blacker the Berry (F. Cooper, Illus.). Joanna Colter Books.

    A book of original poems where Joyce Carol Thomas uses her beautiful language to describe and appreciate the array of skin colors in the world. Each poem takes on a different form going from short dialogue-heavy lines to longer more imagery-filled ones. The poems take on the voices of various children expressing their appreciation for the skin they were born in and the culture that surrounds them, both attributed to their family and ancestors. From the first page, the purpose of the collection is clear: celebrating diversity in black skin colors and cultures. It takes on this goal using nature as a theme drawing comparisons between beauties in the world to the beauties of being brown or black skinned. It appreciates the positive moments of self-love and family (“I nod between bites of berries/ because/ My mother long ago/ When she nursed me with first milk/ Said, ‘You are beautiful.’ And I heard her”) while also respectfully discussing the harder moments (“And I want to be as black/ as midnight/ and moonless water/ So no words can wound me”). Each spread focuses on a different child and perspective all building to the final poem – a culmination of all the views coming together recognizing the beauty they share and the power they can hold together.


    The illustrations add to this by providing colorful oil paintings that bring the imagery described in each poem to life with vibrant, realistic colors. Each image focuses on the little details to allow the beauty to come to life. The wide array of colors used is displayed in a double spread at the end of the book that is meant to accompany the final poem. With the final poem being on the page following this spread, the illustration is allowed to have an impact on its own without worrying about being cluttered by or overshadowing the text. The spread is filled with a display of the confident beaming faces we saw throughout the book, giving it the true impact of a final statement. The image allows the reader to truly see all the differences side by side while absorbing the splendor they radiate.
   
This book is mainly for young children of color to empower them to be confident in their skin even if the world around them is trying to get them to believe otherwise, though it can be appreciated by everyone. It starts off with a page simply stating, “Colors, without black, couldn’t quite sparkle as bright,” making the intention of the book clear – to make the reader see the beauty in black. Each poem allows different children to see themselves and the intricate details about them that make them shine. There is no hierarchy, just simply a list so that every shade gets its moment to shine.

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